J Korean Soc Endocrinol.
2002 Apr;17(2):218-225.
Adverse Effects of Antiepileptic Drugs on Bone Mineral Density in Women with Epilepsy
- Affiliations
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- 1Department of Neurology, Keimyung University Dongsan Medical Center, Korea.
- 2Department of Internal Medicine, Keimyung University Dongsan Medical Center, Korea.
Abstract
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BACKGROUND: Osteoporosis or osteopenia has been reported in patients taking antiepileptic drugs, but the precise pathophysiological mechanisms of these abnormalities are unclear. The aim of this study was to assess the relationship of antiepileptic drugs on bone mass by analyzing bone mineral density (BMD).
METHODS
We compared 62 epileptic women on long-term antiepileptic therapy the same number of age and weight matched healthy control subjects. We measured the serum calcium, phosphorus, protein, alkaline phosphatase and osteocalcin for analyzing factors, that have an influence on bone metabolism and BMD. BMD was measured on the lumbar spine by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry.
RESULTS
The serum level of calcium and osteocalcin were not different between the groups. The serum level of phosphorus and protein were significantly lower in the patient group compared to their controls. The serum level of alkaline phosphatase was significantly higher in the patient group than in their controls. The BMD was significantly lower in the patient group than in their controls. There was a significant correlation between the BMD and the duration of therapy in the patient group.
CONCLUSION
The long-term use of antiepileptic drugs leads to a decreased BMD, and the degree of bone mineral density was related to the duration of the therapeutic use of antiepileptics.
